Chapter 560


    Johnny’s gaze followed the pointing hand to meet Colton, and he greeted once more, “Mr. Colton,


    pleasure to meet you.”


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    Colton hadn’t expected Johnny to be so youthful, barely looking a day over thirty–five, with a schrly


    appearance and polite demeanor that suggested he was approachable. He quickly nodded towards


    Johnny with a hint of eagerness, “Johnny, good to see you. I’ve heard quite a bit about you, and I


    appreciate you taking the time toe out today.”


    Johnny was a seasoned yer in circles filled with all sorts of characters, from high–ranking officials to


    business magnates, and could usually size someone up in a nce.


    Frankly, Colton’s overtly ingratiating approach rubbed him the wrong way. He had visited the Davis


    family before; in contrast, the Davises had seemed quitefortable to be around, cultured.


    Clearing his throat, Johnny managed to conceal his disappointment for the sake of Mirabe, his lips


    parting only to say, “You’re too kind.”


    Unaware of Johnny’s inner critique, Colton gestured invitingly and said, “Shall we sit down and talk


    over lunch?” Mandy had already summoned the service staff to prepare the meal as Johnny entered.


    Johnny wasn’t there to dine, so he stood pat, cutting to the chase, “Mr. Colton, if you’ve invited me for a


    specific reason, please be upfront. I’ve got anothermitment shortly.” His refusal to join the meal


    was quite apparent.


    Colton paused at Johnny’s words, turned back, and, recalling Travis‘ earlier advice to be direct, he


    dove right in, “Actually, the main reason for today’s meeting is to discuss the old town district bid.


    Gilbert Corporation has prepared a veryprehensive proposal…” As he spoke, Colton signaled to


    Mandy with his eyes to bring over the business n.


    Johnny had anticipated the motive behind the invitation and didn’t reach for the n handed to him.


    Instead, he firmly stated, “Mr. Colton, the bidding for the old town district will follow standard


    procedures. I’m just overseeing the process; I don’t make the final decisions.”


    While often an opportunist, Johnny mirrored Owen in his integrity when it came to official matters,


    never misusing his position for personal gain. He nearly walked away then and there, but he stayed for


    the sake of Ms. Mirabe, Owen’s savior. Without that connection, he wouldn’t have even agreed to the


    meeting.


    Colton’s hand, clutching the proposal, hung in the air as he stared at Johnny. He expected Johnny’s


    eptance of the invitation as an implicit nod to Gilbert Corporation. It was a shock when Johnny


    declined even to review the proposal on the spot.


    After a moment of rigid silence, Mandy gently nudged Colton’s arm, bringing him back to reality. He


    turned to her, catching her meaningful nce. She discreetly retrieved a card from her designer purse


    and pressed it into Colton’s palm, urging him to pass it to Johnny.


    In Mandy’s eyes, Johnny’s direct refusal only pointed to one thing – they hadn’t greased his palm. She


    believed there was no problem that money couldn’t solve; if there was, it simply meant not enough had


    been offered.